St. Charles man charged in $8K theft from special rec agency

A St. Charles man was charged Thursday with felony theft by deception of more than $8,000 from an organization that works with individuals with special needs.

Kurt Hinterkopf, 33, of the first block of North Sixth Avenue, turned himself in to DuPage County authorities Wednesday and was released after posting a $2,000 bond, 10 percent of a $20,000 bail.

The felony theft charge is punishable by up to five years in prison.

In September 2008, Hinterkopf began working as a program supervisor for the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association in Carol Stream, where he had access to money intended to be used for programs for participants.

Police said Hinterkopf stole from the cash funds and used it for his own personal use, starting in November 2008 and continuing until he left in April 2013.

After Hinterkopf left the special recreation association, officials noticed funds were missing from the programs he led.

An investigation by the Carol Stream Police Department revealed that $8,358.98 was missing.

“Not-for-profit organizations such as the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association rely on the generosity of others to help make the world a better place for those who have special needs,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin said. “The very idea that anyone, let alone an employee, would steal from such an organization is disgraceful and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Hinterkopf’s next court appearance is July 1 in front of Judge George Bakalis.